Memorial Health Care System and UnitedHealthcare announced today they have reached a new agreement. The new contract allows UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored, individual  and Medicare members to use services at Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital Hixson, and the Mary Ellen Locher Breast Center on an in-network basis, effective November 1, 2012.

“Throughout our negotiations with UnitedHealthcare, our patients were always our number one priority,” said Jim Hobson, president and CEO of Memorial Health Care System. “While these negotiations extended beyond our contract, they were also very important to our organizations.

“This new agreement sets the stage for a cooperative relationship that allows both parties to explore ways to incorporate new models of care in the future. We feel the new contract reimburses Memorial fairly for the services we provide to UnitedHealthcare members and recognizes the value Memorial brings to people in Southeast Tennessee. We look forward to continuing our relationship with UnitedHealthcare,” said Hobson.

“Memorial Health System is an important provider of health care services, and our renewed network relationship strengthens our joint commitment to provide quality, cost-effective health care for UnitedHealthcare plan participants near where the live and work,” said Greg Reidy, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Tennessee.

Patients with United HealthCare benefit plans may begin using Memorial Health Care System for services on an in-network basis effective immediately and retroactive to November 1, 2012.